1622 – Composting: Worm Composting
Worm composting, vermicomposting, with one pound of worms will compost the kitchen scraps of a family of four. To construct a worm bin, use a plastic container with a loose fitting lid that will allow air in the bin. Fill the bin with a bedding material of shredded newspapers, then add a pint of peat […]
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1614 – Composting: Using
All gardens benefit from the yearly addition of organic matter, such as compost. On sandy soils, organic matter improves the soil’s ability to hold water and nutrients. On clayish soils, organic matter helps “break up the clay,” which reduces soil stickiness and improves water movement. As a rule of thumb, you should spread and cultivate […]
Take a Tour1623 – Composting: Structures
Many styles of compost bins are readily available for purchase, or you can make one yourself. Key considerations include ease of loading and unloading the compost, durability and cost. A compost bin that is too small won’t decompose. An area 3 feet by 3 feet is the minimum size in order to maintain the high […]
Take a Tour1615 – Composting: What Can Be Composted
Any plant residue can be composted, including weeds, lawn clippings, spent plants, leafy prunings and clippings, vegetable tops and vines, manure, sawdust and non-glossy newsprint. Composting materials are divided into two types, green and brown. Green materials include green leafy plant residues like weeds, grass clippings, vegetable tops and flower clippings. Brown materials include fall […]
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1613 – Composting: Making
Compost is easy to make. Essential composting ingredients include organic matter, water, air and nitrogen. Research indicates that soil or compost starters aren’t essential to successful composting, because organic matter naturally contains the necessary decomposing bacteria. Oxygen and water are critical elements in the composting process. To speed decomposition, moisten materials as you place them […]
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1612 – Composting: Fall Leaves
Fall leaves are a valuable resource because they keep garden soil productive. By following a few tried and true composting techniques, you can optimize fall-leaf composting. The minimum size for compost bins is three feet by three feet by three feet. Bins larger than six feet across may restrict oxygen infiltration and slow decomposition. It’s […]
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1627 – Composting: An Overview
Adapted by Jane Rozum, Douglas County Extension, from the CO-Horts blog originally authored by Kurt Jones, Chaffee County Extension Director. As our gardening season comes to an end, rather than throwing away plant waste, many gardeners will compost those materials and help to improve their soils for future years. Composting is an accelerated way to […]
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Soils, Amendments & Composting
Composting: an overview Composting: fall leaves Composting: making Composting: structures Composting: using Composting: what can be composted Composting: worm composting Cover Crops Cover Crops: winter rye Epsom salts & wood ashes Expansive soils Fertilizers Gypsum Maintaining healthy soils Manure & soil improvement Organic mulches Organic soil amendments Organic vs. manufactured fertilizers Phosphate fertilizers & water […]
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1769 – Ash Care for the Do It Yourself Gardener
Ash trees in Colorado have 3 basic needs – water, insect control and pruning. Watering Consistent watering during the growing season and winter watering is a task a homeowner can readily accomplish. Drought stressed ash are prone to native borer attack and winter kill. Lawn irrigation is usually enough for ash in the growing season. […]
Take a TourFall Gardening
Annuals/Perennials Design Fruits Houseplants Insects/Diseases Lawns Miscellaneous Soils/Amendments/Composting Trees/Shrubs/Vines Vegetables Water Considerations Annuals/Perennials Bulbs: deer resistant Bulbs: fall bulb planting for spring blooms Bulbs: fertilizing Bulbs: maintaining Bulbs: selecting Pansies for seasonal color Perennials: winterizing Perennials: winterizing during drought Water gardening: winterizing water lilies Design Tree placement tips Water Considerations Winterizing Sprinkler Systems Fruits Preparing […]
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